The Oyo State government has recommended standard operating procedures, SOP, for poultry processing farmers to avert zoonotic diseases.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Oladunkanmi Olaleye, said that the move was to sanitize poultry business in the state and ensure the safety of lives and properties of the citizenry.
The commissioner added that the move will also eradicate zoonotic diseases and quackery in the poultry business and slaughter houses.
Presenting the SOP to the Chairman, Association of Poultry Processor, Oyo State chapter and his members today in his office, the commissioner noted that 90 per cent of human diseases were contracted from animals, hence the decision of the Oyo State government to embarked on an aggressive campaign.
The commissioner added that monitoring of the activities of slaughters and those in animal business has also begun, stressing that consumption of healthy poultry products can not be negotiated.
Olasunkanmi added that the regulations will cover all aspects of poultry processing, from procurement of chicken to slaughtering, as well as transportation and packaging.
The commissioner hinted that all chicken plants and chicken slaughter houses must have been accredited and licensed before the commencement of operations, according to section 5 sub section 1 of the Oyo State Meat Law.
The commissioner averred that the law says, “The controlling authority or any other person wishing to establish a slaughter house shall make application in the prescribed form to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the registration of such slaughter house.”
He maintained that the SOP will serve as a guideline for inspecting chicken processing plants with a focus on food safety, quality control, and veterinary regulatory compliance.
The commissioner, however, urged the association to strictly adhere to the SOP, saying that violators will face the wrath of the law.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ninistry, Mrs. Christianah Abioye, said that the move was not to put hardship on members of the association.
She stressed that this would equally help the government to ascertain their data, as this will grant them access to the government’s support.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Association of Poultry Processors, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Balogun Abiodun, commended the Oyo State government for its various efforts in eradicating zoonotic disease and the support the poultry association has received so far.
He pledged the union’s readiness to support the present administration in the state to achieve its vision towards boosting the agricultural sector.
